Issue link: http://frankenmuthcvb.uberflip.com/i/1238619
20 Decorating barns with colorful, geometric patterns is familiar to many of us, made popular in the early 19th century by the Pennsylvania Dutch ("Deutsch") hex signs. Barn quilts are different, newer. They are typically 4'x4' or larger, painted on wood or metal and mounted on barns for the enjoyment of passers-by. Designs are often based on a traditional quilt pattern or a favorite family quilt. How did this start? Donna Sue Groves wanted to honor her Appalachian heritage and her mother's quilting legacy by mounting a painted quilt block on her barn. Instead of a single quilt block, she suggested a county-wide project for her Adams County, Ohio, home. The community responded enthusiastically, creating the first "trail" of twenty barn quilts. That was in 2001. Since then, hundreds of other communities have embraced her vision, making thousands of quilt blocks across 48 states and three Canadian provinces. Trails are often organized by county. When our trail is in place in Saginaw County, we'll become part of what has been called the largest public arts movement in America. It's a fun way to honor our agricultural heritage, to provide artists of all ages and skills the opportunity to create, and to meet new friends and neighbors. Join us! Frankenmuth Area Barn Quilts has been holding workshops to paint 2'x2' quilt blocks. Some class participants are eager to help paint "barn size" 8'x8' quilt blocks. Do you know of a barn that needs a quilt block? Would you like to help construct, design, paint or photograph our barn quilts – or simply commission one to be made? Contact us; we'd love to talk! Join: Frankenmuth Area Barn Quilts Facebook Group Email: FrankenmuthAreaBarnQuilts@gmail.com Phone: Pam Fitzgerald, 989-598-5226 Nationwide trail reference: www.barnquiltinfo.com Joining the Barn Quilt Trail E D I T O R I A L S P O N S O R E D B Y F R A N K E N M U T H A R E A B A R N Q U I L T S A tribute to beekeeper John Kern, "Honey of a Husband" is an 8'x8' custom design by Gloria Boensch. The barn is located in Frankenmuth at 12740 E Curtis Road. 6 For the first time in history, households in Frankenmuth were invited to complete the US Census form via mail, phone or the internet. Residents should have received their first invitation to participate in mid-March. Every household has the option to complete the Census online, by telephone or by mail. The US Census is required by the constitution. It provides needed information in terms of population and demographics, but it also helps local leaders make decisions and directly impacts improvements in your community. For example, the City of Frankenmuth's formula for receiving road funding is directly related to the number of people who live in the City. The Census Bureau is bound by law to keep your information confidential. They cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics and you are kept anonymous. If you have yet to respond to the US Census, there is still time. In April, Census takers will start to visit people living in senior communities and will begin follow up with households that have yet to respond. This in-person, follow up process could last through July. The Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation. They will also NEVER ask for: • your Social Security number • your bank account or credit cards • money or donations. If someone visits your home, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a US Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. If you have questions on the US Census, or questions about the identity of someone representing the Census or if you suspect fraud, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. CENSUS 2020